This story starts with a Shepard boy.

Who became a Shepard because of his desire to explore the world and travel beyond his homeland.

One day he gets a vision of treasure in Egypt.

And although he sets out on this journey for mystical treasure, at the end of the journey he realized the treasure was himself the entire time.

Being someone who doesn’t read a lot of fiction this story was interesting but not one that was particularly compelling to me or that I have a desire to read again.

However, the story of Paulo Coelho, the author, is quite interesting. After publishing this book only 2-3 copies sold in the first year. Then a friend suggested he get a new publisher, smart idea, and get the book translated into english where the book exploded.

Even major celebrities were seen reading the book.

Paulo’s story makes me think “What ideas have I, or others, rejected that could be a catalyst to improve others’ lives?”

Some other highlights from the book:

If people don’t understand my religion or politics but can understand my story they are never too far from me, chance for reconciliation, he will tell me his story and I’ll tell him mine.

When each day is the same as the next it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happened in their lives every day the sun rises.

I’m like everyone else – I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen – not what actually does.

Photo by Kyle Cottrell on Unsplash.